The cajon, more accurately spelt cajón (with an accent), but also called
cajone, cahon & cajun box drum, originates from the
tea plantations of Peru & has become synonymous with flamenco music. However,
these highly versatile drums are at home in just about any musical genre. But
when it comes to buying one of these beautiful instruments & deciding which
cajon to buy, the choice can be daunting!

'Met Stu from Waywood Music yesterday to buy my first Cajon;
if you're in the market for one check him out as his knowledge and service is
second to none!'

(Manny Elias; Tears For Fears)

Cajons come in many different shapes, sizes and finishes.

This NEWLY UPDATED page introduces you to these fascinating, versatile instruments and
will help you choose the best cajon for your needs.

We're not sponsored so we don't push brands. We offer impartial
advice based on our experience with these wonderful instruments and we welcome
questions.
We've added a page on
Hints & Tips For Getting Started Playing The Cajon which will continue
to be updated as we learn more.

The cajons we sell are all excellent
quality and value for money; we receive a lot of positive feedback from audiences
and players alike.

There are many different brands to choose from, each with
their individual sound characteristics, quality and price range.

All advice we offer is based on personal experience; not
third-party; certainly not sponsored by any shop or manufacturer!

This page is divided into 8 sections as follows (use the links to short-cut
to the information on cajons that you wish to read) or just work your way down
the page:

There is no substitute for listening to a cajon, in the room, as it's played,
when making a decision.

What About Using Videos or YouTube To Compare Cajon
Sounds?

DON'T! DON'T! DON'T!
It Is Meaningless!

Many sites & manufacturers put sound samples on
their sites. These are largely useless because a) recordings can be treated,
b) every microphone has its own individual response (so 'colours'
or changes the original sound) and c) every hi-fi and speaker system will also
colour the sound in a different way.

We cannot stress enough that the
sound you hear may not resemble in any way the true sound of the cajon being played
due to the influence of microphones, recording electronics & the speakers/sound
system you are playing it through on the sound you hear.

Rubbish can sound great & vice-versa.

Established drum & percussion manufacturers have started making cajons,
usually made in the Far East. These instruments are very well made but
in our opinion, they represent an inferior product sound-wise. Some have such a large, warm bass tone that it dominates all other tones, whilst the
cheaper (& some more expensive) models have uncontrollable & intrusive snare
buzz when playing all tones.

How do you know you're choosing the right cajon?

Ask an expert, ask a discerning playing, try them out & find the drum that
connects with you. We are always happy to help you choose. If you're
not sure, we will use our passion & extensive, long-term experience to choose
the right cajon for you.

Always
get someone else to play the drum so you can listen to it from in
front

Play
at a range of different volumes and see how the drum responds &
sounds

Try-out
a range of drums within your price limits

Always
buy a case for your drum; they damage easily

... and when you've bought it,

Learn proper
techniques for playing; you will avoid much pain & improve
sound

... and finally

ENJOY YOUR CAJON!

Here's a short video introducing the cajon ...

'It's so rare to find somewhere with such personal service nowadays.
Really pleased to have ordered from you.'

(WR; Stourbridge, West Midlands, UK)

History of the Cajon

The cajon (cajón) originated in the tea plantations of Peru,
probably in the 18th Century. It is likely that the original instruments
originated form the tea chests/boxes used to pack the tea. These boxes
were constructed using thin wood and therefore, would be prone to warping
and splitting in the wide ranges of humidity and heat they experienced.
It is this splitting which is likely to have produced the characteristic
rattle or snare sound of the drum, imitated today through the use of
snare wires.

Traditional Peruvian cajons still have no snare wires inside so are
much closer to the original African box drums from which they probably
originated, producing a much drier sound than those with snares. cajons
are still used to accompany many of the traditional Peruvian dances.

The cajon emerged from relative obscurity in the 1970s, when the
Flamenco guitar virtuoso, Paco de Lucia, was given a cajon as a present
by Peruvian composer and cajon master, Caitro Soto. De Lucia liked the
sound of the instrument so much that he introduced the cajon into his
repertoire. The instrument grew in popularity and today it is the mainstay
of many styles of Flamenco music, a genre of music producing some of
today's cajon masters, such as de Paquito Gonzalez.

Use of the Cajon
in Today's Music

Cajons are becoming increasingly popular in a wide range of musical
styles and are now produced by a wide range of manufacturers, making
them accessible to many more players. They are definitely a 'hip'
drum of the moment. However, that also means they run the risk of being
labelled like other popular drums (e.g., the djembe): nice but
overused!

Whilst still prominent in Flamenco music, the cajon has also spread
to most other music genres: rock; pop; Latin; folk; traditional ... the
list is VERY long. Successful adaptation of the cajon to other musical
styles has been thanks to the creativity and sensitivity of the musicians
who play them, players like Alex Acuna, Sheila E, Marco Fadda and the late,
great Miguel 'Anga' Diaz..

Most people use the cajon in place of a conventional drum kit but
there are many other ways it can be used to fit in, either with or without
a drum kit. It may be used as an effect through to the only rhythm instrument
in both live and recording situations. Add the possibilities afforded by
miking-up and equalisation/effects and the opportunities are almost endless.

A quick word on health and safety: playing the cajon can potentially put
strain on the back and cause injury to the hands and fingers if not played
properly. Therefore, it is very important to learn good posture and good
playing technique. This will not only increase your endurance but reduce
the risk of short-term and long-term injury.

If
you have any questions about choosing
cajons, their maintenance, would like a second opinion etc you can always
contact us at
Waywood Music.

'Morning Stuart, I'd like to thank you very much for all your knowledge which
helped us choose a exceptionally well engineered & quality cajon drum. All the
links that you have kindly sent with techniques on learning how to play. I'm
sure that the personal customer care that you have provided will never be beaten
or even matched. I will certainly be recommending you to family, friends &
my son's drum teacher. Many thanks for all the time & effort you've given to
complete this order it has been very much appreciated. Best wishes.'

(Manny,
Lancashire)

Download a free PDF summary of the key points from this page using the
following link:

Before you decide, do your research. Learn about cajons and try to
understand what you're looking for. Ask yourself some basic questions:

Where will it be played?
How much can you afford (what is your budget)?
What quality of cajon are you after (budget available may determine this)?
What type and size of cajon are you after?
How often will you use it?
Is it for serious (frequent gigs) or casual use?
Where will it be played (concerts; home; other)?

Now a couple of notes on the above.

Firstly,
budget & build quality: Just because a
cajon is lower in price does NOT mean it is lower in quality!
Branding by the big names can add premium pricing to lower quality
products. Conversely, cajons made by smaller companies or
individuals may cost less and be of higher quality. Examine the
materials used; quality of wood, quality of joints; attention to
detail; reinforcing; finishing. These will give you a good
indication of true quality. Always go for higher density hardwood
construction, such as Finnish birch ply. Harder woods like birch
give an excellent frequency range; rich, punchy bass and bright,
cracking higher tones.

Secondly, how, where, when it will be
used: If you are expecting to use your cajon for frequent
gigs, you will do a lot of carrying and moving which can take their
toll. Always aim for the highest quality you can afford for the
purpose. A drum which will be for home use only many not need to
be so ruggedly constructed, but that is not a reason to buy a
poorly constructed drum which may buckle, distort, crack or
become unusable with frequent use.

Thirdly, protection: Your drum will last much
longer if it is cased. This does not have to be a hard, flight-case (unless you
are touring); many manufacturers make strong, padded, protective bags. Some
independent case manufacturers make excellent quality strong, protective bags.

Choosing a cajon is not always straightforward and easy, even if
you have sorted out what you want!

Here are some specific items to look for.

Quality: Look at materials, joints etc (as mentioned above). Better quality materials,
especially the use of higher density hardwoods, along with thicker sides, top
and base, produce a better quality sound. Contrary to some opinions, a higher
quality front panel (tapa) does give a much better sound, especially
when playing slap strokes. It also enhances a controlled bass response.

Make: This can be an area of
controversy, but in my experience, brand logo does not necessarily a great cajon
make! By nature of their hand-made construction, every drum
is made from materials that all vary slightly and therefore, will produce a
different sound (even if this is only a subtle difference). Therefore, by taking
some time to compare different drums within a particular brand, and across
brands, you may be able to find 'your' drum from a supposedly 'lower' model
simply because of a good combination of materials: it pays to shop around and
take your time choosing a cajon.

Purpose: Most cajons will have
snares to give some rattle or buzz to the high tones. However, some cajons are
purpose-built to produce mainly deeper bass tones, whilst other Cuban-style
cajons may produce higher, bongo- or conga-like tones. Cajons without snares
will sound different to cajons with snares. Know what you want.

Sounds: Choosing a particular
cajon based on the tones it produces is very subjective and
individual. However, some basic
principles are:

High Tones: These should sound sharp and crisp with an
element of 'pop' to their tone

Bass Tones: These should be deep and
well-defined. Some cajons can sound 'woolly' because their bass tones have a lot
of middle to them without the deep punch of the bass. This sound may suit you;
it may not, but be aware of the difference.

Tone Separation:
There should be a clearly audible difference between the high tones and bass
tones.

Snares & Tuning/Tensioning:
Most cajons will have snares. These should produce a controlled buzz with the
higher tones and when the tapa is played gently (ghosting) and be relatively
well muted when the bass tones are produced.

'String Cajons' or 'Snare Cajons'?A number
of manufacturers, like Meinl, have introduced the term 'Snare Cajon'
which adds all sorts of confusion to an already daunting choice.

The original box drums of Africa & Peru had no snares,
relying on split & weathered plywood to produce their buzz.

The majority of cajons use snare
wires (which Meinl call 'Strings') to
produce their buzz.

The simplest way to refer to cajon sounds is using the terms 'low' or 'bass' &
'high' or 'snare' & understand that the difference is in how the snare sound is
made (strings, snare wires, or brush snares). The use of guitar strings is
pretty much universal on high quality authentic instruments from Spain & Peru
(though as we've already mentioned, most Peruvian cajons have no snares) & many of
these have refined mechanisms for high sensitivity tuning/tensioning of the
wires.

As for differences in sound between the two types of snare arrangements, it is
personal choice, made with our ears: If it sounds great to us, that is most
of the battle won!

The number of snare wires varies by manufacturer and model
but typically one or two pairs of wires is used. Some models use 3 independently
tensioned pairs of snare wires. The main difference is that more wires can
create more snare rattle or buzz, but in reality, the tension of the wires
influences that component of the sound. The increased number of wires, such as 3
pairs, allows more flexibility in snare buzz across across the face of the
cajon; but these drums are considerably more expensive and probably the effects
only really noticed by an experienced or trained ear.

On many cajons, these snares are adjustable which allows you to change the snare response and sound by simply loosening
or tightening the snare wires/guts/brushes. Care should be taken not to
over-tighten or over-loosen the snares as this is be detrimental to the sound.

All cajons made by J Leiva are fitted with novel,
easy-to-adjust external snare tension mechanisms. Snare wires are attached
directly to a dial-type knob situated on the outside of the cajon which you
turn clockwise to increase snare tension (tighter sound) or anti-clockwise
to loosen the snares (looser snare drum type sound). Called the DTS or
Direct Tension System (earlier models still carry the original Spanish,
Sistema de Afinación Directa, roughly System Direct Tension
or STD which was understandably changed for the UK market!) is quite unique
in that it is fitted on the 'entry level' cajons, giving professional
adjustment which has not previously been available at this level.

View of DTS snare tensioning system on
a range of J Leiva cajons -
Click on images to enlarge

Some cajons, such as the Schlagwerk 2-in-1 cajon, have snares
which look like the wire brushes used for playing a drum kit, which can be taken
off if required. These are not adjustable for tension but in our experience do
produce a good, well controlled snare sound.

The Gon Bops Alex Acuna cajons, manufactured in Peru, have
addressed the issue of excessive snare buzz by using diagonal snares across the
top corners of the tapa. These only vibrate when the top corners of the
tapa are played, leaving bass note completely buzz-free. The sound may be a bit
too dry for some players but the sound is more reminiscent of the original
Peruvian cajons which had no snares. These snares are not adjustable.

The Leiva Omeya Bass cajon includes 3 sets of independently
adjustable snares; one pair to each top corner and a single central snare split
with a single wire to each top corner. This arrangement allows more subtle snare
adjustments depending on a player's personal preference.

Close-up of bells attached to post at rear of front cajon tapa face - Click on image to enlarge

These
sound when the tapa is struck, adding a very high pitch jingle to the high tones
and bass tones, which although rarely heard, provide increased 'cut' to the
sound. They may also be used as an added effect. It is a matter of personal
taste whether you like these and the quality/tone of bells varies greatly by
model and manufacturer; some are more effective than others.

Tapa (Front Panel) Adjustment:
Most cajons have a thin front panel (tapa) which is secured for the bottom
two-thirds/three-quarters, but is adjustable for the top third/ quarter, uisng
screws.

Close-up of cajon tapa tensioning screws -
Click on image to enlarge

By subtly tightening or loosening these screws it is possible to add
more click/slap/attack to the high tones. However, care should be taken not to
over-tighten or over-loosen the front head as this will be detrimental to the
sound.

Design Features to Enhance Bass
Response: J Leiva manufacture two or three top-end (most expensive)
cajons with features which enhance bass-to-top tone separation, tailoring them
to use in the recording studio. This may be achieved through the use of a back-plate
to cover the rear hole in cajon case, thereby increasing compression and helping to
eliminate the high- and low-mid tones which contribute to a woody or
boxy sound and can also muddy the sound, making high and low tones
less distinct. To allow air to escape, a false bottom is included in the cajon
(or the drum is raised off the floor on short legs and into the bass of the sound
chamber is fitted an adjustable sound slot. This focuses the bass tones (similar
to the reflex bass bin system) producing a more pronounced bass note.

These cajons are sophisticated in design and correct set-up (reflected in their price)
but can offer a distinct advantage to musicians who spend most of their time in the
recording studio, enabling a good recording source for rapid set-up and EQ (equalisation).

More complex features on a
studio-orientated cajon a) Cajon Design -
Click on images to enlarge

More complex features on a
studio-orientated cajon b) Controls -
Click on images to enlarge

Non-Construction Factors Affecting
Sound: Your cajon can sound VERY different depending on where you are
located and the environment (room) you try it in. If you are near to a solid
wall or radiator, the drum will sound louder and you may get enhanced bass
tones. If the room is carpeted or you are near upholstery, wall hangings or
curtains, the bass tones will tend to be absorbed and you will hear more mid and
high tones. So try to test your drum placing it in the middle of a room and make
sure each drum is placed in the same position when played. It is also important
to play the drum yourself and listen to how it sounds, then get someone else
(who can play) to play the cajon when you are stood next to it (so you can hear
how it sounds) and then when you are stood 6 - 10 feet (ca. 1.75 - 3 metres) in
front of it: the drum will sound very different from these two positions!

Travel Cajons: These
relatively
new additions to the cajon stable are designed for the travelling percussionist.
Breaking down into a flat-pack case, they are ideal for taking on planes and
fitting into small spaces. These are expensive pieces of kit (usually retailing
in excess of £400) so designed for the professional (or the musician with an
endorsement!!). Their sound is usually superb (as you'd expect for this kind of
money) but the balance between portability and cost is an important issue when
considering these drums; in our opinion portability must be the priority to
justify the cost.

Example of a travel cajon flat-packed: the Leiva
Omeya Travel Series -
Click on images to enlarge

DON'T FORGET: We are always available to help you find the
best cajon for your needs. If you do decide to buy from Waywood Music, we apply
the same principles we have outlined on this page. Watch the following
video to see how you can use our expertise to get the best cajon for your needs.

Modifications & Updates to Cajons

The basic design of a cajon is that it is a box on which you sit, with a thin
tapa (front) face & a sound hole. Most have an internal snare.

These elements remain largely unchanged.

HOWEVER, manufacturers are always looking to improve their products
functionally, update them appearance-wise or provide something that fits a niche
otherwise unfilled.

For this reason, the design of a specific manufacturer's cajon(s) or of
individual cajon models can change quite significantly over its lifetime. These
may simply be cosmetic (colour changes or additions, logo or decoration design
etc) or may be more significant (relocation of sound hole, change in materials
from which the cajon is manufactured, modification of snares used or
introduction of a new snare tension adjustment system.

One example of such a modification has been a recent change to controlling
size of the bass port opening by J. Leiva on their flagship
Omeya Bass
Studio Cajon. Originally operated by an external wheel located at the back
of the cajon (See A Below), the revised mechanism uses a simple slide located on
the underside (See B Below)

A. Original Design ... Click on
image to enlarge.

B. Revised Design ... Click on image to
enlarge

DG cajons are well known for having changed the design & appearance of their
logo over the years.

Manufacturers may also change how they position or dampen the snares on their
cajons, or even the type of snare used.

However, one should also be aware that as brands become established on a good
reputation, manufacturers may also be looking to cut costs in manufacturing,
perhaps through the use of less reinforcing, cheaper quality components or
cheaper quality of wood used. Each of these can have a significant effect on the
life, sound & reliability of the cajon. We have found that some brands
have made such changes resulting in an inferior sounding product. That is why we always recommend
listening before you buy: just because on cajon sounded good two years ago,
never assume it still will. You may be surprised to find that it sounds better,
which is great, but you may be disappointed (& always bear in mind that each
cajon will sound different anyway, so it really is up to using your ears or
trusting someone to make a good choice for you).

NEW! Pedal or No Pedal? Further Updates to Cajons

One recent introduction we get asked about more & more is the cajon
pedal.

Kit players will be used to the idea of using the feet to play bass drum,
hi-hat, effects etc. A number of manufacturers have started to adapt the
traditional bass drum pedal so that it fits to a cajon, allowing the player to
use their feet.

Many of the videos seem to be lacking in creativity as the cajon becomes
little more than a quiet substitute for a bass (kick) drum. Indeed the design of
pedals by manufacturers like Schlagwerk & Gibraltar position the pedal
beater so that it plays the front (tapa) head of the cajon. The main problem
with this design is that if you want to combine feet & hands, the beater is
directly where your hands would play. So, it is pushing the player to use the
cajon as a bass drum, whilst freeing one of their hands to play some other
percussion, shaker, snare drum etc with their free hand.

Examples of Cajon Pedals Made by
Schlagwerk & Gibraltar

Leiva have also just introduced a cajon & pedal combination called the B.Box.
This is an innovative design in that the inside of one side of the cajon has
been routed-out to produce a thin area of wood, resembling the tapa head, which
is more resonant & therefore, more bass-orientated. This now leaves the front
tapa face free for playing with both hands if desired, opening-up new
opportunities for interplay between the hands & feet. The pedal is available
separately & can also be used in a conventional way, like the Schlagwerk & Gibraltar
pedals where the beater plays the tapa face.

Here is a short
YouTube video (opens in new window) showing the pedal attached to a conventional cajon, showing
how hands & feet can interplay ... Leiva B-Box Pedal on
Evo Cajon

There will always be discussion & disagreement on whether pedals have a place
in cajon playing. My personal view is that if the tool is there use it, but
don't be restricted by tradition or lack of imagination. Try new things;
experiment.

Choice is a personal thing. It may open your playing up to be more creative
or you may feel more constrained to playing the cajon like a traditional
drummer.

Pedals are not overly expensive although the Leiva pedal & custom made &
modified Medina cajon is not a cheap option. However, as with all choices, each
must decide how price, functionality & use fit together. For some of us it will
be too expensive; for some it will be worth the money.

Which is the Best Cajon for YOU?

Only you can answer this question, but if you base your decision on the
points outlined above and remember the key facts below you have every chance of
choosing your ideal cajon, which should give you years of service and great
enjoyment.

Don't forget, if you have any questions about choosing
cajons, maintenance, second opinions etc you can always
contact us at
Waywood Music

Some of the most common questions we receive concern comparing different
cajons made by several different manufacturers. Sometimes we are
asked to compare the sounds of different models made by the same manufacturer.

PLEASE bear in mind what is said above: every cajon sounds different & unless
there are 'design specifics' intended to produce a particular sound (for
example, the Leiva Omeya Bass
Studio is specifically designed to compress-out unwanted mid-tones
leaving a very defined & punchy bass tones with plenty of clear high notes).

We find hear some cajons made from 'superior' woods sound inferior to cheaper
alternatives made from 'less desirable' materials. Every cajon
is unique.

BUT perhaps the single most important fact is that DIFFERENT COUNTRIES STOCK
& SELL DIFFERENT CAJONS BY A DIFFERENT RANGE OF MANUFACTURERS.

Many of the 'big names' are pretty much universally available throughout the
World, but the smaller individually-made drums rarely export to all countries.
So, Leiva cajons are available in the United Kingdom (UK) & most
European countries but they ARE NOT available in the United States of America
(USA).

So, if you are asking us questions about which is the best cajon to buy for
you, please remember to let us know where you live as that will have a major
influence on what we can & cannot recommend to you.

There is always the option to ship a Leiva cajon from the UK to to the USA,
but current shipping & courier prices are prohibitive, working out at between an
extra UK£50 & UK£75 per drum.

We would usually recommend that unless you specifically want a Leiva
cajon, put the extra money for shipping towards an upgrade in your own
country (on the proviso that you LISTEN FIRST based on what
we've repeated on different parts of this page; every cajon sounds different:
some expensive models can sound inferior to cheaper models; it's all about using
your ears to find one that you are happy with) :)

Key Facts to Remember When
Selecting Your Cajon

Do your research
and decide what sort of sound you want

Make sure you know
where you will use it; totally acoustic; mic'd up; both?